| conradsimon.org home << >> AUTISM PREVALENCE, RESIRATORY DEPRESSION AT BIRTH & AUDITORY SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT Eileen Nicole Simon, PhD, RN – http://www.conradsimon.org STATISTICS: > Delay in initiating respiration at birth has been reported in children who later developed autism. > Statistics on respiratory depression at birth are similar to those for increased prevalence of autism (5 to 6 per 1000). FORGOTTEN RESEARCH: > Experimental asphyxia of newborn monkeys damaged nuclei in the midbrain auditory pathway – also seen in human infants. > Outcomes: (1) developmental delay, (2) brain maturation was not normal. INJURY OF MIDBRAIN AUDITORY NUCLEI: > Injury of the inferior colliculi (in the midbrain auditory pathway) results in loss of ability to comprehend speech, in people with no prior language problems – there are at least nine case reports. FORGOTTEN TRADITION: > Traditional textbooks taught that the umbilical cord should not be cut until after the first breath. > The current protocol is to clamp the cord within 30 seconds after birth – then resuscitate if necessary. How many parents are aware of this protocol? FORGOTTEN SCIENCE? > Transition from fetal to neonatal respiration requires filling of the capillaries surrounding the alveoli before hemoglobin can receive oxygen in exchange for carbon dioxide. This may take several minutes, before an infant breathes on his own. STOP THE SCOURGE: > Investigations of increased prevalence of autism must include review of current childbirth practices. > Impairment of the auditory system by oxygen insufficiency at birth needs to be investigated as a possible cause of developmental language disorder. << >> |